Ionia County Prosecutor Ron Schafer and the prosecutor's office staff are sharing a recognition of their long-time dedication to working to divert people whose main issue is mental illness or a developmental disability from jail and into a setting where they can get the care they need.

The prosecutor's office was chosen by Ionia County Community Mental Health as its 2013 Friend of Mental Health for service excellence. Schafer was presented with the award at a luncheon at the CMH facility last Friday, attended by about 60 community members, clients, staff and dignitaries. Lori Kirkhoff, chief assistant prosecutor, Jeannie Wernet, crime victims services coordinator, and Patty, the county's canine advocate, all from Schafer's office, also attended.

Bob Lathers, the Community Mental Health CEO, told the luncheon audience that the county's jail diversion program, specialty courts and other services have been successful and have achieved statewide renown, because of effective collaboration. Law enforcement agencies, the district and circuit courts, other agencies, and, in particular, the prosecutor's office work together to keep the community safe while trying to find suitable treatment for those who become involved with the legal system as a result of their mental illness or developmental disability.

"The award recognizes special partners," said Lathers. "Ron Schafer has worked closely with Judge Kreeger, Judge Hoort, Judge Voet and Judge Sykes for many years, making sure that the people who need treatment get treatment. Ron has always been a huge supporter of this effort, along with his whole staff."

Lathers gave Schafer a giant wall clock, to remind him that "it's always time to call Community Mental Health." Schafer and each member of his staff also received an engraved desk clock as a token of appreciation.

Lathers noted Schafer's appointment by Gov. Rick Snyder to the Mental Health Diversion Council, which has been charged with developing a method that can be used across Michigan to divert individuals with mental illness or substance abuse problems out of the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment.

"I think the recognition is simply a reflection of the collaboration we have with the community," Schafer said. "The successful endeavors over the years related to mental health are shared amongst the courts, my office, CMH – all that's a partnership. I don't believe my office, or any one entity, is more responsible for that success than any other. We're honored and humbled by the award, but it's an award that goes to every participant in the collaboration, not just the prosecutor's office."

Schafer added that the prosecutor's office, like any organization, is "only as good as the folks working for you.

"We have been so fortunate over the years to have good assistant prosecutors. This is a tribute to those guys," he said. "We will continue to be part of the solution, and look forward to taking it statewide."